We were in Punta Cana for only one week. One week. But we took over a thousand pics (I’m sure you noticed LOL!)
Everything was interesting and magical. If you want spice up your life and appreciate this world, travel is the way to go. To me, these pictures are priceless. Many remind me of things I might otherwise have forgotten – and the feelings come flooding back.
It seems far away now. It WAS special.
One last visit to the ocean …
Reality Check …
Farewell Punta Cana …
Not very well recorded, but this Korean gal gets it – that this is a lament.
What do you do after a long hot Day Trip to Santo Domingo?
How about a midnight swim?
Ahhhh …. yes.
Next day … another Day Trip.
Called Country Safari.
Our Guide.
Yep … he’s trying to sell us something.
Rose tests a hat.
Crocodile Rose
Our group
The idea behind this was to see some REAL Dominican Republic. We knew that wasn’t going to happen. But it was still some fun.
What’s cookin’? Everything.
Banana and flower
Chocolate, Cigars, Rum, Coffee … lots of stuff to buy …
Here’s to you!
Moving on …
Head for the beach …
“Surf School’?
Instructions: “Don’t drown.”
I wade …
Rose rests.
Like a dream …
Don’t wake me up.
Our trip to Punta Cana seems like a dream now – and far away. It was indeed the experience of a lifetime and I wonder if I made the most of the opportunity – as I will not likely get back that way again. I have to thank my wonderful companion Rose without whom I would never have had this experience
Diego Columbus
I was unable to find much information on Diego Columbus. I was curious to see if he had carried on with the tyrannical behavior of his father.
Diego Columbus was the eldest son of Christopher Columbus. He was a Portuguese navigator and explorer under the Kings of Castile and Aragón. He served as the 2nd Admiral of the Indies, 2nd Viceroy of the Indies and 3rd Governor of the Indies as a vassal to the Kings of Castile and Aragón.
Columbus House was the house of the Columbus family in Santo Domingo. It was built by Diego Coulmbus in 1515. Today, it’s a museum furnished with original and period furniture.
Columbus House …. not that impressive from the outside.
The tools of Spanish power
Dining area ?
Kitchen to be sure.
Opulent eating …
Main Hall …
Chris and son. An idealic image.
sloop john b / tom fogerty
Remember that little train? The Colonial Chu Chu.
All aboard!
The Chu Chu chugs us through the downtown Santo Domingo streets
… as we attempt to take some pics …
Next: Columbus House …
sloop john b / The Beach Boys
Out of Cathedral – to the streets.
Columbus Memorial – monument to a tyrant.
The maestro of pigeons appears.
Orchestrates his minions.
Meanwhile … Dominos.These guys were heavily into it … with spectators.
Cathedral and plaza
It’s guaranteed that somebody will try to sell you something. “NO. Gracias.”
The Museum of Tobacco – with 3 cigar store Indians.
The Cathedral of Santo Domingo is the oldest cathedral in the Americas – they claim.
Remember that dog?
He’s drinking Rose water.
A local steed. Doubt this would be legal in Canada.
Heading off plaza …
Inscription reads:
“Homage of the First Council of America the Adelantado Don Bartholomew founder on the east bank of the Ozama River from the town of Santo Domingo Colon on 5 August 1498 before being transferred to this part by the governor of the island of Hispaniola Fray Nicolas Ovando in 1502 “.
These guys really celebrated themselves.
Rose spots a horse. It must be watered.
Trying to figure out where we are …
So did we.
Next time … more downtown Santo Domingo
I Can See Clearly Now / Jimmy Cliff
Catedral Primada de America – Plaza Entrance
Heading around to other Entrance … some Saint guards the gate
The other entrance … not as impressive
Even the Church looks like a fort – for good reason. In 1586 Sir Francis Drake of England pillaged and burned the city, which survived only to be invaded by the French and Haitians. Drake lived in the Church for 25 days they say.
Statue of Arzobispo Meriño. I could not discover who he was, but he’s got a statue.
Crowding in …
But inside is impressive
Vaulted Gothic ceiling
I like Churches. They have Altars.
And I can thank God for my many blessings.
Though I can do that anywhere.
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